Ren Allen

"I am out of time and energy. Which way to turn? Where do I start?
I don't know how you all do it."

It sounds like you're trying to get involved in their worlds, but it's
not your responsibility to be there all the time! You have a right to
your own interests and passions,just like they do. Ideally, you each
have your own interests and there are overlaps where all of you share
certain things.

I don't really think you need to be right there for all of their
interests at every moment. Isn't your son 12 or so? Why isn't he
happily doing his own thing at times? Being with our children to
connect with them and be interested in the things that make their
heart sing is GREAT! Being there constantly isn't helpful in my
opinion, kids need their own space and time (different for each child
of course) in which to make connections.

You aren't responsible for sharing your spouses interests, only
responsible for finding things you can BOTH enjoy together. My
passions and interests are always going to be there, my family comes
in and out of those interests as they choose. Should be the same with
you. I don't recommend faking an interest in something, but I do think
it's advantageous to at least connect on things that bring joy into
our children's (or partners) lives.

I have four children and manage to follow many of my own interests and
passions each and every day...so I KNOW it's possible.

Ren
learninginfreedom.com